An average success

Whistler Search and Rescue records numbers similar to last season

The 26-person crew of Whistler Search and Rescue (WSAR) is at
home with the typical this season, executing nine successful searches, roughly
the same figure as this time last year.

“Recently, (our searches) have been of two categories,” said
Brad Sills, search and rescue manager, “either out of bounds or overdue skiers,
people skiing outside of the ski area, including the typical ill-prepared
out-of-bounds skier or a more prepared skier who has found himself in distress.
And then your injured snowmobiler would be another category.”

According to Sills, the stats stick to the standard because of
increased awareness among outdoor enthusiasts. He credits media reports for
getting the word out, but warns that each event, fatal or not, results in some
kind of loss.

“For almost every response that we do, someone has paid a price
of something, whether they’ve lost equipment, hurt themselves or just plane
scared the heck out of themselves,” said Sills. “I think people are just more
aware that it isn’t worth it if you don’t know what you’re doing.”

Mind, that’s just the rescue side of things. There have been
other developments in WSAR’s world that have been just a little bit better than
average.

First was a $54,000 donation handed over by one Maxwell Buhler
after he successfully sued a cable company for overcharging customers.

At the same time, donations, while not common, aren’t exactly
anomalous, either. The previous season saw a 4x4 donated by the American
Friends of Whistler.

What really sweetens the season is the move to a new base,
which was on schedule to happen this week. Previously, WSAR had been housed in the
police station. But space was waning, and the search for another locale bore
fruit at the public works yard, where a new facility awaits.

“We’ll be much better organized,” Sills said. “We’ll have room
to dry our gear and store it properly, the way it should be, and have it
readily accessible. Equipment that needs servicing — we’ll be able to do it in
house, instead of having to take it home.”